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Mar 21 Assessing Rex Tillerson's Impact on the State Department by Nicky Riordan

In the wake of Rex Tillerson’s departure from the State Department, it is important to analyze the effects he had on the agency and the challenges he leaves behind for his successor, including staff shortages, sexual harassment allegations, loyalty scandals, and foreign policy challenges.

Since that time, unprecedented foreign policy challenges have unfolded in North Korea, Russia, and the Middle East. Amid these challenges, the Department has been running at half-speed, given staffing shortages and departures of many senior diplomats with decades of essential experience.

Moreover, the United States still does not have ambassadors in 44 countries, including key positions in South Korea, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey, lessening our influence in pivotal conflict situations around the world.

With the recent firing-by-tweet of Secretary Tillerson, it is unclear how his successor will assume the mantle and approach his previous commitments, but it is a steep climb out of the predicament the agency finds itself in.

Historically, the State Department has been among the most respectable and responsible agencies within the federal government. Its reputation has been affected in recent years.

Photo by Tom Williams/CQ Roll Cal

President Trump has tapped the current head of the CIA and former Congressman Mike Pompeo to replace Tillerson. Pompeo will face a potentially challenging confirmation in a midterm season that is likely to be a turning point for this Congress and Administration.

Analysts agree that Pompeo’s alignment with Trump on key foreign policy issues and attitude toward diplomacy make it unlikely that he will reverse the trend toward decline of the State Department if confirmed.

Nicky Riordan, Political Analyst, Utica College Center of Public Affairs and Election Research